In WA.No. 1737 of 2013, M/S LOURDES HOSPITAL vs DR.ABRAHAM MATHEW, the Division Bench of the Kerala High Court, held that whether an establishment made profit or not was immaterial. Following the SC precedent Management of Tata Iron and Steeel Co.Ltd vs Chief Inspecting Officer and others, the bench observed that if the activity is frequent, continuous and relating to business, whether it earns profit or not is irrelevant. Since the above ingredients were present in respect of the activities of the hospital, it was held as an establishment under Section 2(6) of the above Act. Going by the scheme of of Gratuity Act, the shops and commercial establishments, which were covered under the Shops Act at the time of introduction of Gratuity Act would continue to be so covered under the said Act, irrespective of any amendment, repeal or exemption brought under the Shops Act. It cannot be said that the amendment of the Shops Act, if not brought into the Gratuity act, would make the Gratuity Act unworkable. For the same reason, a notification for exemption under the Shops Act would not apply to the Gratuity Act, as the power to grant exemption from the provisions of the Gratuity Act stands exclusively vested with the Central Government.
In OP(Crl.).No.348 OF 2019, T.K.SAJEEVAN vs FRANCIS T.CHACKO, the appeal was filed against the order of the lower court to deposit 25% of the fine before filling of appeal. The appellant argued that the deposit introduced through the Section 148 of the NI Act after amendment was directory in nature as it used the term 'may' while mentioning the issue of deposit. The Kerala High Court however disagreeing held that in view of the object of the Legislature while incorporating Section 148 into N.I. Act, the word 'may' will have to be read as 'shall'. The imposition of payment contemplated under Section 148 N.I. Act cannot be restricted to some prosecutions and evaded in other prosecutions. Since the amount directed to be deposited being compensation, undoubtedly, it is liable to be ordered to be deposited irrespective of the nature of the prosecution. Therefore, the word 'may' can only be taken to have the colour and meaning of 'shall' and there
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